Barry Baptist Church
Barry, Navarro County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Barry Baptist Church congregation, originally organized as the Elam Baptist Church congregation, was established in September 1891 with seven charter members. The Rev. C. R. Roberts became the congregation's first pastor in June of 1892. Early services were held in a church structure one block northeast of this site. The congregation quickly became involved in county and statewide Baptist church affairs, affiliating with the Navarro County Baptist Association of the Baptist Convention of Texas in July 1892. Additionally, the congregation was able to institute a Sunday School program by 1895, under the leadership of J. M. Head, who served as first Sunday School superintendent. In 1916-17, during the pastorate of the Rev. A. W. Luper, the congregation built its second church structure at this site. Worship services have been held at this location since December of 1917. The Barry Baptist Church congregation has been involved in a variety of missionary activities over the years, concentrating on local mission programs, and it has played a prominent role in this community for over one hundred years. (1991)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in September 1891 with seven charter members as the Elam Baptist Church, this congregation called its first pastor the next summer and quickly joined the Navarro County Baptist Association. A Sunday School began by 1895, and in 1916–17 the members built their second church building at this site, where worship has continued ever since. For more than a century the church has anchored the little farming community of Barry.
Why it matters
The congregation reflects how Baptist churches became the social and spiritual backbone of small farming towns across late-19th-century Texas.
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Related people
- · C. R. Roberts
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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